Envelop-sealing machine.



J. l. HIGGINS.

ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

APPLICATION man wLYs. 1904.

1,178,0'1 1. Patented Apr. 4, 1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

$522,5 6; Jaw/m7; 01,4 24 05A ZZZ "5 1i;

THE COLUMBIA PLANbGRAPi-l 520., WASHINGTON. n

J. I. HIGGINS.

ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED juLys. I904.

Mm X2 M L 2 I Q 7 DMZ M m5 COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH CIL, wAsHlNGmN. D. c.

' charged 'Fig. 5 is a longitudinal nmrnn s'ra'rns Jenn I. HIGGINS, or

FREEPOET, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOB, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS,

VINCENT BENDIX, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

ENVELOP-SEALING MACHINE.

1,178,011. 2 Application filed July 5,

T all whom it may concern: I Be it known that I, Jonx 1..Hroorxs, a citizen of the United States, residing at Freeport, in the county of Stephenson and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Envelop-Sealing Machine, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to envelop sealing machines in which the envelops while piled on a platen have their flaps opened by a reciprocating finger, are dampened by a reciprocating dampener, and, finally are disfrom the machine by a reciprocating pusher; and the objects of my improvement are, first, to provide an automatic feed; second, to provide an automatic feed for the water supply; third, to facilitate rapid and accurate work; fourth, to make a strong, durable and easy running machine which is always ready for use; and other objects which will become apparent from the descripticn to follow. I attain these objects by the construction illustrated in the accompanying two sheets of drawings in which- Figure 1, is a perspective view of a machine embodying my invention; Fig. is a plan section taken just below the top of the casing; Fig. 3, is a cross section taken on line 3-3 of 2; Fig. 4., is a cross section taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 2; and

line 55 of Fig.- 2-.

Referringto the drawings similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

The frame of the machine consists of thetwo ends and 11, the front 12, the back 13 andthe top 14:, which are secured together by screws or any other convenient manner.. The, top frame 1 1 has a front downward extension 15 and a rear downward extension 16. An opening 17 is left between the top edge of the back 13 and the extension 16 through which the sealed envelo-ps are discharged.

. A receptacle 18 is secured in the lower part ofthe frame and is preferably held in position by resting on the pins 19 secured in the ends 10 and 11. The ends 10 and 11 are provided with legs 20 which are preferably fitted with the rubber tips 21. The receptacle 18 is entirely closed with the exaetiea; at enei irlinal, slo 2 4 ts ee Specification of Letters Patent.

section taken on Patented Apr. 4, 1216 1904. Serial no. 215,335.

side. A portion ofthe slot 22 is made wider at and is provided with a flaring shield 21 to direct the water 25 into the receptacle 18 when filling the same. 7

f1 shelf 26 covers the greater portion of the top of the machine which is slightly below the lower edge of the extensionlf) and has its lower edge out in a V shape at 27 large enoughto allow the flaps of the envelope to be opened down into the machine while the envelope are lying on the shelf 26. To permit piling a considerable number of envelops on the'shelf 26 and hold them inproper position the extension 15 is extended up in the form of a vertical shield 28 which is screwed or otherwise securedto the extension 15. p

A flap opening finger 29 which is preferably L shaped is pivoted at 30 to a bracket 31 secured to the front 12. I a

A frame 32 of an inverted U shape has its ends perforated'at 33 to freely rock about the pins 3% provided on the opposing sides of ends 10 and'll. The middle part of the frame 32 is straight and lies-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the machine. Another frame-35 of an. inverted U shape has its ends perforated at 36 to freely rock about the pins 34., and also has its middle part straight and parallel with the longi tudinal axisof the machine. Secured to the middle part of the frame 35 and extend-' ing forward thereof is a blade 37 curved in an arc struck from the'pivotal axis of said frame.

The frames 32 and 85 are located below the shelf 26 while below the top 14 are located two preferably rubber rollers 38' and 39 lying parallel with the longitudinal axis of the machine. .The roller 39 is pivoted in movable bearings 40 which are constantly depressed by the springs 11 to hold the roller 39 tightly against the roller38.

The roller 38 is secured on a shaft d2 which is journaled in the ends 10 and 11 and is provided on the exterior of the'end 10 with a crank 43 by tate d. Secured on the shaft 12 adjacent the end 10 is an eccentric 14, which is connected by means of pitman loprovided with a spanner ring, to one limb of the frame 35 shown in Fig. 4:. Secured on the shaft 42 adjacent the end 11 is an eccentric 46 which which it can be rois, connected. by means, of. p tman. 4:7 pro:- v

vided with a spanner ring, to one limb of the frame 32 shown in F ig. 3.

A piece of fabric 48 is secured to the middle of the frame 32 in constant contact with the under side of blade 37, and hangs down through the slot 22 in the receptacle 18 into the water 25, thus being kept constantly wet by capillary attraction, and transferring a quantitv of moisture to the under side of the blade 37.

Immediately in front of the shelf 26 is a rod 49 secured in the ends 10 and 11 and located so that the blade 37 will pass just above it.

, the rolls 38 'In operation, envelops are piled flaps down on the shelf 26 with the folded edge of flaps against the shield 28. The shaft 42 is rotated by turning the crank 43 or otherwise, which will cause the finger 2!) to pull down the flap of the lower most envelop becarse of its being connected by the link 50 to the frame 32 which is 'noved by its connection to the eccentric 46 on shaft 42. Next, the wet fabric 48 on the frame 32 is moved to contact with the gummed side of the flap on the envelop, said flap being preven ed from bend ng back away from the fabric by the rod 49; then finally the blade 37 on the frame 35 is moved to push the lowermost envelop back over the rod 49 and between and 39 which press the clampened flap and envelo together and by further rotation eject the sealed envelop out through the opening 17. The gummed side of the flap on the envelop is'also dampened bv coming into contact with the under wet side of the blade 37 to insure sufficient dampening of the same.

To insure only one envelop being pushed off the shelf 26 at a timea narrow plate 51 is hinged at 52 to the lower edge of the extension 15. The plate 51 is normallv held in a vert cal posit on bv a spring of such tension that it will allow the plate 51 to rock on its pivot if necessary when a single envelop is pushed out but will alwavs prevent two or more envelops being pushed out at a time.

It is obvious that the supply of water must be replenished, from time to time, also that the shaft 42 may be rotated by power.

Having thus fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Lette s Patent of the United States is- 1. lnan envelop sealing machine, a suit able frame, a water receptacle in the lower portion of said frame, a shelf for envelops secured to the upper part of said frame, a reciprocating, finger path intersecting the plane of saidshelf to open the flaps of the envelops, a reciprocating dampener communicating with said wa ter receptacle for dampening the flaps of the envelops, a reciprocating blade immediately below said shelf for feeding the envelope to arranged to move in a the machine and rollers'with which the said blade cooperates to press the flaps onto the envelops.

v 2. In an envelop sealing machine, a suitable frame, a water receptacle in the lower portion of said frame, a shelf secured at the upper portion of support the envelops, a pivoted reciprocating finger arranged to move in a path intersecting the plane of said shelf to open the flaps of the envelops, a pivoted eciprocating frame provided with a dampener cooperating with said water receptacle to dampen the envelop, flaps, a second pivoted reciprocating frame provided with an envelop feeding blade immediately below said shelf, rollers with which said ates mounted in said suitable frame to press the envelop and operatively connecting said rollers, said pivoted reciprocating finger and second named frames. 7

3. In an envelop sealing machine, a suitable frame, a water receptacle in the lower portion of said frame. a shelf secured at the upper portion of said frame to support the envelops, a vertical shield above and near one end of said shelf against which the envelops rest, a pivoted reciprocating finger arranged to move in a path intersecting the plane of said shelf for opening the envelop flaps, a pivoted reciprocating'frame under said shelf provided with a wick extending over said frame and into said water receptacle to contact with and dampen the envelop flaps.

tacle to moisten the envelop flaps, an en velop shelf above said moistening pad to support the envelops, the envelops, a flap opening nger operatively connected to said reciprocating frame, shaft and a pitman connecting said eccentric and said reciprocating frame whereby said frame is moved by the rotation of said shaft.

5. In an envelo sealing machine, a suitable frame, a shelf at means for feeding one by one from said shelf,

said frame to the flap together and means said firstand means comprising a pivoted an eccentric on said the top of said frameblade coiipera pivoted reciprocating blade immediately below said shelf to feed the envelops into the machine, a spring pressed lower edge of said shield to support the envelops, 'a bar secured in said frame below the said shelf, a fiap opening means for .comprising a finger to move in a vertical plane for bending the flap of the lowermost envelop down in front of said bar, a moistener arranged to press against said flap while in a position in front of said bar and means comprising a pivoted reciprocating feeding blade underneath said shelf for drawing said flap over said bar.

6. In an envelop sealing machine, a shaft mounted in a suitable frame, a roller secured on said shaft, a spring pressed roller engaging said roller, two eccentrics secured on said shaft, a pivoted reciprocating frame provided with a moistening pad arranged to be operated by one of said eccentrics, a pivoted reciprocating frame provided with a blade for feeding the envelops into the machine arranged to be operated by the other of said eccentrics, and a pivoted reciprocating finger foropening the flaps connected to and operated by the first named reciprocating frame;

7. In an envelop sealing machine, a case provided with an extending pin at either end, an inverted Uframe provided with a blade for feeding envelops into the machine pivoted at its ends on said pins, an inverted U frame provided with a pad for moistening the flaps of envelops pivoted at its ends on said pins, a shaft provided with a roller for pressing the flaps of envelops having its bearing in said case, an eccentric secured to each end of said shaft and pitmen, connect ng said eccentrics to said U frames wherebv the rotation of said shaft causes said U frames to reciprocate.

8. In an envelop sealing machine, a suitable frame a pair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame, a dampener secured to the free ends of said arms for dampening the flaps of envelops, a second pair of swinging arms pi oted to said frame, an envelop feeding blade secured to the free ends of said second pair of arms,.a pivoted finger mounted in said frame for opening the flaps of envelops, rollers mounted in said frame,

for pressing the flaps onto the envelops,

means for rotating the rollers and connecting means comprising two eccentrics and two pitmen for simultaneously operating said dam ener. blade, finger and rollers by rotating the rollers.

9. In an envelo sealing machine, a shaft mounted in a suitable frame, a roller secured on said shaft. spring pressed roller engaging said roller. a pivoted reciproeat ng frame provided with a moistening pad, a pivoted reciprocating frame provided with a blade for feeding the en elops into the machine, means operated by the rotation of the shaft for operatin said re- .65 einrmatins frames and a, pivoted .rseipre eating finger operated by the first named reciprocating frame.

10. In an envelop sealing machine, a case provided with an extending pin at either end, one frame pivoted on said pins provided with a blade for feeding envelops into themachine, another frame pivoted on said pins provided with a dampening pad for dampening the flaps of envelops, a shaft having its bearings in said case and connecting means for independently operating said frames by the rotation of said shaft.

11. In an envelop sealing machine, a suitable frame, a shelf at the upper side of said frame to support envelops, a finger pivoted to said frame below saidshelf for opening the flaps of envelops, a dampener pivoted to said frame arranged to move in a horizontal are below said shelf for dampening the flaps of envelops, a blade pivoted to said frame arranged to moveina horizontal are below said shelf for feeding envelops into the machine, a shaft journaled in said frame, means for pressing the flap onto the envelop and mechanism operatively connecting said shaft, blade and dampener.

12. In an envelop sealing machine, an inclined shelf supporting the envelops, a vertical shield near the lower edge of said shelf, means for opening the envelop flaps, a water receptacle, a pivoted reciprocating frame.

provided with a wick extending into said water receptacle to dampen the envelop flaps, means for automatically feeding the envelops into the machine, means to prevent feeding more than one envelop at a time and means for pressing the flaps onto the envelops.

13. In an envelop sealing machine, a suitable frame, a shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a roller secured to said shaft to press the flaps unto the envelops, a pair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame, a pitman connecting said arms with said shaft whereby the arms are rocked on their pivots by the rotation of said shaft, a blade secured to the free ends of said arms to feed envelops into the machine, a second pair of swinging armspivoted to said frame, a pitman connecting said second pair of arms with said shaft whereby said arms are rocked on their pivots by the rotation of said shaft, a dampener connected to the free ends of said second pair of arms to dampen the flaps of the envelops, an envelop flap opening finger pivoted to said frame and means operatively connecting said finger to said dampener.

14. In an envelop sealing machine, a suitable frame. a shelf at the top of said frame upon which the envelops are piled, a bar secured to said frame located a short distance below the free edge of said shelf, a moistener arranged to press the flaps of an envelop in a bent position against said bar and vani nted reciprocating blade arranged to pass between said shelf and said bar to feed the envelop through the machine.

15. In an envelop sealing machine, a suitable frame, a rotatable shaft mounted in said frame, a reciprocating finger mounted in said frame for opening the flaps of envelops, a reciprocating dampener mounted in said frame fOr dampening the flaps of envelops, a reciprocating blade mounted in said frame for feeding in the envelops, a roller mounted on said shaft for pressing the flaps onto the envelop and means comprising suitable connecting pitmen and eccentrics on said shaft for operatively connecting said finger, dampener and blade to said shaft whereby the rotation of the shaft operates all the parts.

16. In an envelop sealing machine, a suitable case, an envelop shelf at the top of said case, extending pins at two opposite ends of said case, a rocking frame pivoted on said pins provided with a rigid blade for feeding envelops into the machine, a shaft journaled in said case, suitable means for operating said frame by the rotation of said shaft, a dampener for dampening the flaps of envelops and a roller mounted on said shaft for pressing the flaps on the envelops.

17. In an envelop sealing machine, a suit able frame, a shaft rotatably mounted in said frame, a roller secured to said shaft to press the flaps into the envelops, a pair of I swinging arms pivoted to said frame. a pitman connecting said arms with said shaft whereby the arms are rocked on their pivots by the rotation of the shaft, a blade secured to the free ends of said arms to feed the envelops into the machine, a second pair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame. a pitman connecting said second pair of arms with said shaft whereby said arms are rocked on their pivots by the rotation of the shaft and a dampener connected to the free ends of said second pair of arms to dampen the flaps of the envelops.

18. In an envelop sealing machine, a suitable case, a shaft journaled in said case, a roller secured on said shaft, a spring pressed roller mounted in bearin 's fitted to slide in said case engaging said first named roller. a

pivoted reciprocating frame provided with a m'cistening pad, connecting means for operating sa d frame by the rotation of said shaft, a reciprocating finger pivoted to a bracket secured to said case operated by said reciprocating frame and means for feeding envelops into the machine.

19. In an envelop sealing machine, a suitable case, a shaft mounted in said case, a roller secured on said shaft, a spring pressed roller mounted to slide in said case engaging said first named roller, a reciprocating frame pivoted to said case provided with a blade for feeding envelops into the machine, means operatively connecting said frame and said shaft, a reciprocating finger pivoted to said case operated by said shaft and means for dampening the flaps of envelops.

20. In a device of the class described, a

suitable case, a shaft mounted in said case,

a roller secured on said shaft, a spring pressed roller mounted to slide in said case engaging said first named roller, a reciprocating frame pivoted in said case provided with a blade for feeding envelops into the machine, means operatively connecting said frame and sa d shaft, asecond reciprocating frame pivoted to said case provided with a dampener for dampening the flaps of the envelops and means operatively connecting said second frame and said shaft.

21. In a device of the class described, a suitable case, a rotatable shaft mounted in said case, a reciprocating frame mounted in said case, a dampener secured to said reciprocating frame for dampening the flaps of the envelops, a second reciprocating frame mounted in said case, a blade secured to said reciprocating frame for feeding in the envelops, rollers mounted 'in said case for pressing the flaps onto the envelops, and means comprising suitable connecting pitmen and eccentrics on' said shaft for oper-' atively connecting said dampener and said blade to said shaft whereby the rotation of I the shaft operates all the parts.

22. In an envelop sealing machine, a suit} able frame, a shelf at the upper side of said frame to support envelops, a dampener pivoted to said 'framearranged'to move in a horizontal are below said shelf for dampening the flaps of envelops, a blade pivoted to said frame arranged to move in a horizontal are below said shelf for feeding envelops into the machine, a shaft journaled in said frame, means for pressing the flaps onto the envelops and mechanism operatively connecting said shaft, blade and dampener. r

23. In an envelop sealing machine, a suit able frame, a pair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame, a dampener secured to the free ends of said arms for dampening the flaps of envelops, a second pair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame, an envelop feeding blade secured to the free ends of said second pair of arms, rollers mounted in said frame for pressing the flaps onto the envelops, means for rotating the rollers and connecting means comprising two eccentrics and two pitmen for simultaneously operating said dampener, blade and rollers by rotating the rollers.

24. In a device of theclass described, a suitable frame, a Water receptacle in the lower portion of said frame, a shelf for envelops secured to the upper part of said frame, a reciprocating finger arranged to move in a path intersecting the plane of said shelf to open the flaps of the envelops,

immediately below dampening the flaps of the envelops and for feeding the envelops to the machine, a dampener communicating with said water receptacle for dampening the said blade, and rollers with which the said blade cooperates to press the flaps unto the envelops.

25. In a device of the class described, a suitable frame, a water receptacle in the lower portion of said frame, a shelf secured at the upper portion of said frame to support the envelops, a pivoted reciprocating finger arranged to move in a path intersecting the plane of said shelf to open the flaps of the envelops, a pivoted reciprocating frame provided with a blade to dampen the flaps of the envelops and for feeding the envelops' into the-machine, a second pivoted reciprocating a, reciprocating blade said shelf for frame provided with a dampener coiiperating with said water receptacle to dampen the under side of said feeding blade, rollers with which said blade cooperates mounted in said frame to press the envelop and flap together and means operatively connecting said rollers, said finger and said first and second named frames.

' 26. In a device of the class described, a suitable frame, a water receptacle in the lower portion of said frame, a shelf secured at the upper portion of said frame to support the envelops, a vertical shield above 7 and near one end of said shelf against which the envelops rest, a pivoted reciprocating finger arranged to move in a path intersecting the plane of said shelf for opening the envelop flaps, a pivoted reciprocating blade immediately below said shelf to dampen the envelop flaps and to feed the envelops into themachine, a second pivoted reciprocating frame under said shelf provided with a' wick extending over said frame and into said water receptacleto contact with and dampen the under side of said blade, a spring pressed gate hinged to the lower edge of said shield lying inthe path of the envelops as they are fed into the machine to prevent feeding more than one envelop at a time, and two rollers with which said blade cooperates mounted in said frame.

27. In a device of the class described, a suitable frame, a water receptacle provided in the lower portion of said frame, a shaft provided with a crank journaled in said frame, a roller mounted on said shaft to rotate therewith, a blade for dampening the flaps of the envelops and for feeding the enveloos one by one intothe machine, a pivoted reciprocating frame provided with a moistening pad extending into said water receptacle to moisten the under side of said blade, an envelop shelf above said moistening pad to support the envelops, a flap opening means comprising a pivoted finger operatively connected to said reciprocating said frame for pressing ing pad for ing means comprising a finger to move in a vertical plane for bending the flap of the lowermost envelop down in front of said bar, means comprising a pivoted reciprocating envelop feeding blade underneath said shelf for moistening said flap while drawing the sameiover said bar, and a moistener arranged to constantly press against the lower side of said same. 7

29. In a device of the class described, a suitable frame, a pair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame, an envelop dampen ing and feeding blade secured to the free ends of said pair of arms, swinging arms pivoted to said frame, a dampener secured to the free ends of said second pair of arms for dampeningthe under side of said blade, rollers mounted in the flaps onto the envelops, means for rotating the rollers and connecting means-comprising two eccentrics and two pitmen for simultaneously operatblade to moisten the a second pair of:

ing said blade, dampener, finger and rollers by rotating the rollers.

30; In a device of the class-described, a suitable frame, a shelf at the upper side of said frame to support envelops, a finger pivoted to said frame below said shelf for opening the flaps of envelops, a blade pivoted to said frame arranged to move in a horizcntal'arc below said shelf for moistening the flaps of, and feeding, envelops into the machine, a dampener pivoted to said frame arranged to move in a horizontal are below said shelf for dampening the, under side of said blade, a shaft journaled in said frame, means for'pressing the flap onto the envelop and mechanism operatively connecting said shaft, blade and dampener.

31. In a device of the class described, a shaft mounted in a suitable frame, a roller secured on said shaft, a spring pressed roller engaging said roller, two eccentrics secured on said shaft, a pivoted reciprocating frame provided with a blade for dampening the envelop flaps and for feeding the envelops into the machine arranged to be operated by one of said eccentrics, ciprocating frame provided witha moistenmoistening the under side of said blade arranged to be operated by the other'of said eccentrics and a pivoted reciprocating finger for opening theflaps of the envelcps connected to and operated by the second named reciprocating frame. 7 r

32. Inadevice of the class described, a

a pivoted resuitable case provided with an extending pin at'either end, an inverted U frame provided with a blade for moistening envelop flaps and for feeding envelops into the machine pivoted at its ends on said pins, an inverted U frame provided with a pad for moistening the under side of said blade pivoted at its ends on said pins, a shaft provided with a roller for pressing the flaps of envelops having its bearing in said case, eccentrics secured to either end of said shaft and pitmen connecting said eccentrics to said U frames whereby the rotation of said shaft causes said U frames to reciprocate.

33. In a device of the class described, a shaft mounted ina suitable frame, a roller secured on'said shaft, a spring pressed roller engaging said roller, a pivoted reciprocating frame provided with" a blade for moistening the flaps of envelops and for feeding the envelops into the machine, a pivoted reciprocating frame provided with a moistening pad for moistening the under side of saic blade, means whereby the said two frames are operated by the rotation of said shaft and a pivoted reciprocating finger operated by the second named reciprocating frame for opening the flaps of envelops.

In a device of the class described, a case provided with an extending pin at either end, a frame pivoted on said pins provided with a blade for dampening the flaps of envelops and for feeding envelops into the machine, a second frame pivoted on said pins provided with a dampening pad for dampening the under side of said blade, a shaft having its bearings in said case and connecting means for independently operating said frames by the rotation of said sh ft.

35. In a device of the class described, a suitable frame, a finger pivoted to said frame for opening the flaps, a blade pivoted to said frame for dampening the flaps and feeding envelops into the machine, a dampener pivoted to said frame for dampening the under side of said blade and two rollers for pressing the flaps onto the envelops. V c

36. In a. device of the class described, an inclined shelf supporting the envelops, a vertical shield near the lower edge of said shelf, means for opening the envelop flaps, a water receptacle, a blade for dampening the flaps and automatically feeding the envelops into the machine, a pivoted reciprocating frame'provided with a wick extending into said water receptacle to dampen the underside of saidblade, means to prevent feeding more than one envelop at a time and means for pressing the flaps onto the envelops.

37. In a device of suitable frame, said frame,

the class describeda a shaft rotatably mounted in a rollersecured to said shaft to press'the flaps onto the envelops, a pair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame, a pit-' man connecting said arms with said shaft whereby the arms are rocked on theirpivots by the rotation of said shaft, a blade secured to the free ends of said arms to moisten the envelop flaps and to feed the envelops into the machine, a second pair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame, a pitman connecting said second pair of arms with said shaft whereby said arms are rocked on their pivot-s by the rotation of said shaft, a dampener connected to the free ends of said second pair of arms to dampen the under 7 side of said blade, an envelop flap opening finger pivoted to said frame and means operatively connecting said finger to said dampener.

38; In a device of theclass described, a 7 suitable frame, a rotatable shaft mounted in said frame, a reciprocating finger mounted in said frame for opening the flaps of envelops, a reciprocating blade mounted in said frame for eampening the envelop flaps and for feeding in the envelops, a reciproeating dampener mounted in said frame for dampening the under side of said blade, a v roller mounted on said shaft for pressing the flaps onto the envelops and means coniprising suitable connecting pitmen and ec 95 centrics on said shaft. for operatively 'con.

necting said finger, blade and dampener to said shaft whereby the rotation of the shaft operates all the parts.

39. In device of the class described, a suitable case, a shaft journaledin said case,

a roller secured on said shaft, a spring pressed roller mounted in bearings fitted to slide in said case engaging said first named roller, a blade for dampening the envelop fiap's and for feeding envelops into the machine, a pivoted-reciprocating frame provided with a moistening pad for moisteningthe' under side of said blade, connecting means for operatingsaid frame by'the rotation of said shaft anda reciprocating finger pivoted to a bracket secured to said case operated by said reciprocating framerg;

40. Inca device of the class described,"a suitable case, a shaft mounted in'said case, 11 a roller secured on said shaft, a spring pressed roller mounted to slide in'said case engaging said first named roller, areciprofeating frame-pivoted to said case provided with a blade fordampening the envelop 2 fiapsand for feedingithe envelops-into the machine, means operatively connectingsai'd frame and said shaft, a'reciprocating finger pivoted to said case operatedby said shaft and means for dampening the under side of said blade.

41. In a device of the class describecha suitable frame, a shaftrotatably mounted in said frame, a roller secured to said shaft toipresstheifiaps onto therenvelops,a pair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame, a pitman connecting said arms with said shaft whereby the arms are rocked on their pivots by the rotation of the shaft, a blade secured to the free ends of said arms to dampen the envelop flaps and to feed the envelops into the machine, a secondpair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame, a pitman connecting said second pair of arms with said shaft whereby said arms are rocked on their pivots by the rotation of the shaft and a dampener connected to the free ends of said second pair of arms to dampen the said blade.

42. In a device of the class described, a

suitable frame, a shelf at the upper side of said frame to support envelops, a blade pivoted to said frame arranged to move in a horizontal arc below said shelf for dampening the envelop flaps and for feeding envelops into the machine, a dampener pivoted to said frame arranged to move ina horizontal are below said shelf for dampening the under side of said blade, a shaft journaled in said frame, means for pressing the flaps onto the envelops and mechanism operativelv connecting said shaft, blade and dampener.

4:3. In a device of the class described, a suitable frame, a pair of swinging arms pivoted to said frame, a blade for dampening the envelop flaps and for feeding the envelope into the machine secured to the free ends of said pair of arms, a second pair of frame, a dampener secured to the free ends of said second pair of arms for dampening the under side of said blade, rollers mounted in said frame for pressing the flaps onto the envelops, means for rotating the rollers and connecting means comprising two ec- Copies of this patent may be obtained for swinging arms pivoted to said five cents each. by addressing the centrics and two pitmen for simultaneously operating said blade, dampener and rollers by rotating the rollers.

44. In a device of the class described, a suitable case, a rotatable shaft mounted in said case, a roller secured on said shaft, a spring pressed roller mounted to slide in said case engaging said first named roller, a reciprocating frame pivoted in said case provided with a blade for dampening the envelop flaps and for feeding envelope into the machine, means operatively connecting said frame and said shaft, a second reciprocating frame pivoted to said case provided with a dampener for dampening the under side of said blade and means operatively connecting said second named frame and i said shaft.

45. In a device ofrthe class described, a suitable case, a rotatable shaft mounted in said case, a reciprocating frame mounted in said case, a blade secured to said reciprocating frame for dampening the envelop flaps and for feeding envelops into the machine, a second reciprocating frame mounted in said case, a dampener secured named reciprocating frame for dampening the under side of said blade, rollers mounted in said case for pressing the flaps onto the envelops, and means for operatively conneoting said blade and said dampener to said shaft whereby the rotation of the shaft operates all the parts.

I11 testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, this 1st day of July, 1904, at Freeport, Illinois.

JOHN I. HIGGINS.

INitnesses Srononon RAYMER, L. WITTBOCKER.

Commissioner of latents,

Washington, D. G.

to said second 

